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tioned. The minister knelt to pray with him, hoping that prayer might yet be heard for him, when he rose up with Satanic strength, and with a violent blow on the breast felled him to the floor. "I want not your prayers," he raved; "prayer only increases my misery." He then swore at God-set him at defiance, and exclaimed, "He can only damn me— let him do it."

He had been a neglecter of the worship of God, and a profane swearer. His only wish now, he said, was to be buried in the same grave with his parents, that their dust might mingle, although their spirits never could. "They," he said, "are gone to heaven, and I am going to hell!" Next day he called again, when he appeared better; his pains had ceased, and his hopes flattered him. "I told you," said the hardened man, "that I should fear no longer than there was danger: my fears are gone now." Shortly after, the minister met his medical attendant, and mentioned to him the expectation which he had that the farmer would reCover. "Never, sir," was the reply, "the suspension of pain is only awful evidence that mortification has taken place: in a few hours he will be a corpse." So it proved; and another effort which the minister made to awaken his mind to a proper sense of his condition was unavailing: he died cursing God, and furnishing awful evidence of the fearful consequences of neglecting the ways of God.

THE THOUGHTLESS ONE ARRESTED.

MAY the Holy Spirit of God accompany the reading of the following simple account, that it may be the means of turning some from the power of Satan unto God.

The first twenty years of my life I spent at my father's residence in

and as the Lord in his providence had given us abundance, I was supplied with the means of entering into all the amusements and pleasures in which thoughtless young men are generally prone to indulge. I had horses, dogs, guns, and, what was worse than all, plenty of money at my disposal. I little thought then, that for all these things God would bring me into judgment.

I was the youngest of a large family; from my earliest childhood my kind mother strove to impress the principles of Christianity upon my mind. But what does human instruction avail unattended by the teaching of the Holy Spirit of God? Without one particle of love to God, or fear of his Divine Majesty, I took a forward part in all the fashionable sins, termed pleasures, which were carried on by my gay companions.

One Sabbath, after attending divine service, and after the rest of the day spent in awful transgression, I returned home in the evening, and joined the family, to whom my sister was reading a tract aloud. Contrary to my usual practice I remained to hear it, and, with my sin fresh in remembrance, I listened with deep concern to its awful truths. It was entitled, "THE END OF TIME." The passages which particularly struck me were these: "The end of time! then shall the sinner's heart give up its last hope;"" none are completely miserable before death; indeed, the vilest men are often most full of mirth; but it will not be always so; their joy will be turned into heaviness." "Imagine the Judge upon the throne, calling you to answer these inquiries at his bar: 'How have you

spent the many Sabbaths I have afforded? Did you improve your time well?' Time shall end! How valuable then whilst it lasts, particularly to the unprepared! Every hour you have is a merciful respite. Go forth and meet your offended Sovereign! Seek him while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Go in the name of Jesus, plead his blood, his death, his intercession, and say, God be merciful to me a sinner!'"

I took this tract to my own room, read it, and prayed over it. The time was now come when it pleased the Lord to open the eyes of my understanding, and to work a good work in me. This, I trust, has ever since been maturing, and thus affording me a well-founded hope that "He which hath begun a good work in me will perfect it until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The writer of the above became a candidate for the Christian ministry, and a consistently pious man.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

CONFESSIONS OF A CONVERT from Baptism IN Water to Baptism WITH Water. London: J. Snow. 18mo. cloth boards, pp. 130.

The

The controversy on Christian Baptism has generally been conducted in the way of dry argumentation, or of drier verbal criticism; and although many of the works published on both sides of the question have been well calculated to interest and furnish the mind of the theological student, they have had but little attraction for the thousands who are neither deeply skilled in logic, nor intimately acquainted with the rules and exceptions of the Greek Grammar. Such a work as the one before us has long been a desideratum. Confessions and autobiographies we have indeed had in considerable numbers; but none that we are aware of, describing so minutely the process of change experienced by one who emerges out of the darkness of adult baptism by immersion to the more sober and scriptural doctrine of infant baptism with water. writer of the "Confessions of a Convert" handles his subject in a most able and satisfactory manner. The book is adapted to the popular taste, and highly popular it must and will become. Its reasonings are clear and conclusive, and will, we are persuaded, convince every serious and candid inquirer that the "Convert" was right in the decision which he adopted. The narrative portion of the book is deeply interesting. It contains a few statements which we would rather had been omitted; as, however, these statements embody facts, they may be essential to a full development of the author's experience; our only objection to them is, lest the bigotry and ignorance of individuals should injure the character of a community which, under God, has accomplished miracles of triumph in the cause of Christian Missions and of Christian freedom.

THE HISTORY OF IRELAND: from the Earliest Period to the Present Time. Adapted for Youth, Schools, and Families. By MISS CORNER, Author of "Questions on the History of Europe," &c. &c. &c. Fifth Thousand. London: Thomas Dean and Co. 18mo. cloth boards, pp. 186.

Poor Ireland! Such is the exclamation which the perusal of this book constrains us to utter. It describes marvellous and romantic scenes, and records deeds of cruelty and blood. It shows that Ireland, from an early period of her history, has been the dupe of a debasing superstition, and the victim of oppression. The jealousy and perfidy of her ancient kings brought many calamities upon her, and to the present hour, that land which, in point of natural productiveness, is one of the goodliest of all lands, is a land of wretchedness and woe. But the authoress has so fully enlisted our sympathies in favour of Ireland, that we are becoming forgetful of the merits of her work. Of this it is impossible to speak otherwise than in terms of high commendation. It presents the general outlines of Irish history in a manner that does great credit to the talents and judgment of the writer. The work is beautifully got up; is embellished with several engravings, and questions for each chapter are appended, by the proper use of which the mind of the pupil will be more permanently and correctly impressed with the statements he has read.

1

THE DOMESTIC BIBLE. By the Rev. INGRAM COBBIN, M.A. London: Thomas Arnold. Parts I. to XII.

Biblical knowledge ought to be on the increase; facilities for its attainment exist now, which in bygone days were unthought of and unknown. May we not hope that the efforts now in progress, in connection with the remarkable cheapness of the sacred volume, will lead not only to a more extensive circulation of the Scriptures, but to a more diligent and searching investigation into their meaning and design? If the age were to become a Bible-reading age, and all classes of the people a Bible-studying people, the face of society would assume a new aspect-a new impulse would be given to its movements-a new and a holier spirit would form its character. Christians would then harmonize and combine instead of separating from each other, and truth would be loved for its own sake; its power would be acknowledged, felt, and manifested. The work before us, whether viewed in reference to private or family devotion, will be found to possess many powerful claims to public patronage. Portions of it are dated for the convenience of those who wish to read the Bible through in the course of a year; its division of chapters also renders it equally suitable for family reading. Its marginal references will be found to cast a flood of light on numerous passages, whilst its short explanatory comments abound with valuable information. Brief, but appropriate and impressive "reflections," are subjoined to each chapter, and also questions, varying in number, designed to elicit from the hearers the statements and facts to which they have listened, so that a stimulus may be given to the exercise of attention, and the contents of the sacred volume be more securely lodged in the memory. There are also numerous illustrations of Oriental scenery and customs. These are but small, but sufficient for the purpose. Indeed, when we remind our readers that each part of sixteen quarto pages is charged only threepence, and that the work is published in a thoroughly respectable style, they will, we think, discover that in the purchase of this Commentary they will be well repaid for their outlay of

money.

THE HOUSEMAID'S COMPLETE GUIDE AND ADVISER; or, the Best, the Quickest, and Most Easy Methods of Correctly Performing all the Business of the Housemaid, in Respectable Families; describing the Duties of her Situation, what must be done, with the Proper Way and the Proper Time for doing it. By A. M. SARGEANT. London: T. Dean and Co. Stitched, 18mo. pp. 45.

This is a long title to a small book; but so far as we can judge of such matters, all that the title promises is amply fulfilled in the very particular and numerous directions which the author has given. We wish that every housemaid possessed this book, and that every possessor of it would read it and conform to its instructions; there would then be much less scolding, much less domestic misery, and fewer changes of servants and mistresses than now unhappily exist.

THE ANTI-STATE CHURCH CATECHISM. Adapted for Popular Use. By the Rev. A. J. MORRIS. London: Anti-State Church Association. 12mo. stitched, pp. 26. This is the third premium tract of the Anti-State Church Association. It very ably exposes the sophisms by which State Churches are sometimes defended, and shows that such Churches are opposed to the principles of the New Testament, and to the nature and design of Christianity. Believing as we do that the alliance of Church and State is inimical both to civil and religious freedom, and that it has ever been a powerful hindrance to the progress of evangelical truth, we rejoice in every well-directed effort to place the religion of Christ in its right position-that of entire independence of all state emolument and state control.

THE ORIGINAL STATE OF MAN AND HUMAN DEPRAVITY. BY WILLIAM COOKE. London: J. Bakewell. 12mo. stitched, pp. 24.

The subjects of this tract are of supreme importance and of the deepest interest. Within a very limited space many valuable thoughts are embodied.

THE FAMILY CHOIR; or, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, for Social Worship. The Music selected from Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, &c. &c. &c. Arranged for Four Voices, and the Piano Forte and Organ. The Poetry from Watts, Wesley, Doddridge, &c. &c. &c. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 8vo. cloth bds. pp. 215. This excellent work is now completed, and formed into a neat and compact volume, containing 380 hymns, with a sufficient number of suitable tunes, and an alphabetical index. We have more than once expressed our very cordial approval of this publication, as it appeared in separate parts, and it is therefore unnecessary to dwell further on its various excellencies.

THE PHONOGRAPHIC CLASS BOOK. By ISAAC PITMAN.

A MANUAL OF PHONOGRAPHY; or, Writing by Sound: A Natural Method of Writing by Signs that Represent the Sounds of Language, and adapted to the English Language as a omplete System of Phonetic Short Hand. Seventh Edition. By ISAAC PITMAN.

Á PLEA FOR PHONOTYPY AND PHONOGRAPHY; or, Speech-printing and Speechwriting. By JOHN ALEXANDER ELLIS, B.A., Fellow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, and formerly Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge.

THE PHONOTYPIC JOURNAL. Nos. 39-43. London: S. Bagster and Sons. We presume that novelties, like wonders, will never cease. The age is full of novelties. Some of them at once seize on public attention, and create a powerful interest in their favour, and are admired and sought after with an enthusiasm which amounts to infatuation. Such sudden impulses are, however, generally transient; the excitement which gives them existence speedily subsides, and is followed by the reaction of perfect indifference. Other novelties are, however, viewed with suspicion, and produce only a feeling of repugnance. They are opposed probably to our prejudices, to our selfishness, or to long-established habits of thought and action. They have, therefore, to work their way against a powerful phalanx of opposition. Time, however, often develops their importance, and the spread of information imparts a juster estimate of their value. Thus do new and useful projects often force themselves into notice, and gradually acquire the ascendancy to which they are entitled. What will be the fate of Phonography we are too careful of our own reputation to predict. That the system has much of truth and indeed of utility to recommend it, is undeniable. It has also received the patronage of persons who are high in literary attainments, and whose judgments are entitled to every respect. Nothing is more certain than that the orthography and pronunciation of the English language are often most barbarously at variance with each other. Phonography proposes to remedy this incongruity_by, spelling words as nearly as possible according to their articulation. It also prescribes a new alphabet, the combinations of which constitute, in point of fact, a new system of short-hand. This may be an improvement on previous systems, and demands the respectful attention of those who are in the habit of taking down speeches and lectures. Those who wish to enter further into the subject, we refer to the "Class Book" and "Manual;" they are each got up at a moderate cost, and furnish a full and clear exposition of the system.

THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. London: Houlston and Stoneman.

THE BRITISH QUARTERLY REVIEW. No. III. London: Jackson and Walford. Without any wish either to depreciate or supersede other periodicals which firmly advocate the cause of truth and righteousness, we cannot withhold the expression of our high admiration of the very superior talent displayed in the "British Quarterly Review." It unflinchingly maintains, and misses no opportunity of enforcing the great principles of Nonconformity. Its tone is that of a manly independence, modified by the all-controlling power of practical Christianity. In the diversified range of topics included in the present number, there is exhibited a competency to grapple with each question, and there is also furnished an amount of information which claims the confidence and support of all who are anxious for the physical, intellectual, and moral improvement of their fellow-men.

OCCASIONAL SERMONS: on Doctrinal, Experimental, and Practical Subjects. By ABRAHAM SCOTT. Second Course. London: J. Mason. Cloth boards, pp. 283.

We again invite the attention of our readers to this excellent volume of discourses. Every page teems with invaluable matter, and the tendency of the whole is to expand and invigorate the mind, as well as to promote a higher tone of spiritual feeling. Of eighteen discourses, the following are a few of the topics:-The Transfiguration-The Immortality of the Soul-The Parable of the Ten Virgins-The Great Mystery of Godliness-The Harvest of the World-The Honour and Majesty of God, &c. &c. &c.

OBITUARY.

MARY ANN HENDLY WAS born at Stourbridge, March 25th, 1823. In the early part of her life she was obedient to her parents, kind to her

associates, and strictly moral in her conduct. She possessed a meek, quiet, cheerful, and contented disposition. Her father remarks he never knew her utter one

angry word, or give way to angry feelings; she was kind and affectionate to all. As a servant she was obedient, honest, and industrious. While in service at Mount Pleasant, she attended a love-feast held in our Chapel; during the love-feast, she, with several others, was powerfully wrought upon by the Spirit of God. She saw and felt herself a sinner; she wept and groaned, and anxiously inquired, "What must I do to be saved?" Such was the distress of several, and so strong their cries for mercy, that the love-feast was turned into a prayer-meeting. In this state they were directed to Christ as the only Saviour of sinners. With some, our sister was enabled by faith to lay hold on Christ, and fix her hope entirely on the atonement. Her faith in Christ produced joy and peace in her soul; and being justified by faith she felt she had peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Religion was brought home to her heart in all its loveliness and power, and she could sing with the poet,

"My God is reconciled," &c.

In August, 1844, she was invited to unite with the people of God. Convinced it was her duty to do so, she at once joined sister Lowe's class. She loved her class, and went on her way rejoicing. About the 9th of June, 1842, she removed from sister Lowe's to brother Pearsall's class. The following testimony is borne by her Leader :

During the last two years and three months of her life her conduct was most exemplary; she was humble, pious, and zealous in the cause of her Divine Master. Religion with Mary Ann was not an empty name, but a living principle. Cheerfulness, uprightness, integrity, and perseverance, marked her conduct. She was regular and punctual in her attendance on the means of grace, particularly her class-meeting. She prized these means because they greatly contributed to her growth in grace. She forgot not to assemble herself with the people of God. Her Leader observes, "In looking over my class-book I find that Mary Ann was not absent from her class for one year and six months." When she embraced religion she had made her choice for life. Her religion was not the lightning's flash but like the fire on the Jewish altar: it was of heavenly origin; it was clear, pure, animating. Her faith was fixed on the promises and the Promiser. When she could not trace, she trusted. Her hope was cast as an anchor within the veil, sure and steadfast. She knew how to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Though occasionally the subject of much persecution, she bore it with Christian meekness and fortitude.

After her marriage with Thos. Hendly, she loved her home, and employed her leisure moments in perusing the Scriptures of truth. "This," she said, “is my precious treasure, and shall be my companion as long as I live." Private devotion was her delight, and happy were the moments she spent in communion with God in solitude. She was a keeper at home, and was careful to recommend religion by a consistent walk and conduct. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

During the month of November, 1844, our sister caught a severe cold which brought on fever, in consequence of which her health gradually declined. Nov. 24th, she thought her end was come, and she sent for her Leader, who, on entering the room, found her praising God and quite happy. When her Leader asked her how she was, she replied, "I have no pain; it is all gone. I am happy! I am happy! Glory, glory, glory be to the Lamb of God!" He then asked her if she thought her sickness was unto death. She said, "The will of the Lord be done, either for life or death. My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." He then said, "You have not now to seek religion." "No," she replied, "I feel much of the power of an indwelling God; and the more I know of him the more I love him. Glory be to God! I love h'm above all! Satan," she said, "has no power over me, for my Jesus has sent his angels to guard me, and they are around my bed, and in my room. Glory, glory be to God!

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'My glittering crown appears in view, All is well! all is well!'"

Then," said he, "if the Lord was to visit you with death, heaven would be your home." "Oh, yes! Glorious hope! It is full! it is full! and I have that assurance within, that if the 'earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, I have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.'

'Bold shall I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown through Christ my own.'

She exhorted her husband and all in the room to follow Christ, and with a smile said, "Weep not for me, but for yourselves; for,

'It is religion that can give,

Sweetest pleasures while we live;
It is religion can supply,

Solid comfort when we die,'" &c. Her Leader then prayed, and left her praising God. He called again in the evening, and found her in the same happy frame of mind. He then exhorted her to

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